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The many kinds of lawn mowers include the basic reel, electric- and gasoline-powered walk-behind mowers and riding mowers such as rear-engine, lawn and garden tractors and zero-turn mowers. The decision of which lawn mower is the best for you depends on your mowing needs in relation to your physical condition and preferences as well as the logistics of your yard.

Lawn Size

One of the first decisions to make when choosing a lawn mower is whether you need a walk-behind or riding mower. Walk-behind mowers are recommended for a lawn 3/4 acre or smaller. If you consider an electric mower, determine whether or not an extension cord will be able to reach from an electrical outlet to your entire lawn to power the mower. A riding mower is appropriate for a lawn larger than 3/4 acre.

Next you can select the size of the mower deck needed. A mower with a wide deck cuts more grass in a single pass than a mower with a more narrow deck. A 20-inch mower deck should be sufficient for a small yard. A deck of 21 to 22 inches will shorten the amount of time it takes to cut the grass, but consider how well you can maneuver such a larger mower in your yard. A riding mower deck size of 28 to 42 inches can be selected based on the lawn's size and how quickly you want to finish mowing.

Landscape

Another consideration when selecting the proper lawn mower is the terrain of your yard. If your lawn is relatively flat and small, then a basic walk-behind mower that is not self-propelled is an option. If, however, your lawn has slopes, then a self-propelled walk-behind mower may be a better choice because it will pull itself up the slopes. Electric mowers do not have as much power as mowers with gas-powered engines. A rear-engine riding mower or lawn and garden tractor is an option for a large lawn with slopes. Avoid using a zero-turn mower on a lawn with slopes because, although it has good mobility, its small wheels tend to slip on slopes and hillsides.

Obstacles

Obstacles in the lawn include trees, sprinklers, planters and anything else that requires special attention during maintenance. The consideration of obstacles when selecting a lawn mower relates particularly to riding mowers. Rear-engine riding mowers have smaller mowing decks than front-engine models, which means they cut less grass in each pass but also fit through narrower passageways. Zero-turn riding mowers have a larger deck that may not fit as easily through narrow gates, but they have increased mobility and speed. Lawn and garden tractors are not as simple to maneuver around obstacles as other kinds of riding mowers.

Other Considerations

Many lawn mowers come with options for additional features. A walk-behind mower includes the option of mulching blades or a collection bag. Mulching blades return grass clippings to the lawn, where their nutrients are added to the soil. The bag collects the grass clippings, which can be dumped from the bag in a place away from the lawn. Some bags attach to a walk-behind mower's back while others attach to the side. If your yard has tight spaces for the mower to access, being able to attach the bag to the mower's back improves accessibility in those locations. Riding mower attachments can be purchased separately to allow the mower to do more than just cut grass, but consider the mower's engine size. A rear-engine riding mower does not have enough power to pull attachments. Lawn and garden tractors have much more powerful engines and, therefore, are better equipped to haul attachments.

Ultimately, the decision of which lawn mower is best begins with you, the operator. Consider your health first, and make a decision as to whether pushing a walk-behind mower, using a self-propelled mower or using a riding mower is safest. Then determine which mower can handle your lawn the best.

About the Author

Cynthia Domenghini holds a Ph.D. and bachelor's degree in horticulture, as well as a master's degree in teaching. She spent several years researching health outcomes of school gardening and has written numerous youth garden curricula and activity guides. Domenghini also served as an education specialist for the National Gardening Association.